My guess is you can have everything you need. (food, water, i.e.). As for going to the bathroom, I'm sure you can schedule times with your family that will not interfere with your solitude. What are you planning to do? Meditate?

i would think hes talking about the 24 hour dark retreat that they do in Dzogchen Community. snowid, for that you can find the instructions on theyre webstore.

If the thought of demons Never rises in your mind, You need not fear the demon hosts around you. It is most important to tame your mind within....

In so far as the Ultimate, or the true nature of being is concerned, there are neither buddhas or demons. He who frees himself from fear and hope, evil and virtue, will realize the insubstantial and groundless nature of confusion. Samsara will then appear as the mahamudra itself….

KonchokZoepa wrote:i would think hes talking about the 24 hour dark retreat that they do in Dzogchen Community. snowid, for that you can find the instructions on theyre webstore.

Dark retreat is an advanced practice and not something you just do with no instruction. As for what you're allowed to do in a retreat... that all just depends on the specific practice, or what your teacher is advising you. If you've just decided to spend a time alone meditating and practicing, well then technically you're allowed to do anything, because you're not doing it under a set of specific rules. You may want to set a schedule in advance for yourself though, including when your retreat starts and ends, when you wake up, practice, and take breaks (you can read some Dharma books or something to not break from the retreat mindstate on your breaks). People often keep the eight mahayana precepts during retreats as well.

Once I did a one day retreat. I set a schedule out of my own ideas and followed that.Very helpful was to ask the buddhas and bodhisattvas for help and blessing for this day. So it was very easy to follow my own rules. It was a setting of studying, recitation, meditation indoors and walking meditations outdoors. I asked my family not to disturb me and explained it to them. For them it was the same situation as if I was not in the house. But my children were old enough to accept it.

clearblusky, i dont know if its that advanced since right after direct introduction ChNNR suggest that people who dont get it should do a 24 hour dark retreat.

If the thought of demons Never rises in your mind, You need not fear the demon hosts around you. It is most important to tame your mind within....

In so far as the Ultimate, or the true nature of being is concerned, there are neither buddhas or demons. He who frees himself from fear and hope, evil and virtue, will realize the insubstantial and groundless nature of confusion. Samsara will then appear as the mahamudra itself….

For a one day retreat, just relax and do a few sessions of practice.traditionally 4.... One before breakfast, one mid morning, one aft lunch and one in evening. In between, reflect, read, go for walks if you feel like... Don't make it a chore.. Enjoy it...

I would say that dark retreat for many could be harmful.......people fantasize about all sorts of stuff......for those with lung or wind disorders ( which is many of us) it can bring up all sorts of stuff that we may not be ready for....... Better to work from the ground up... Four mind changings... Etc

I recommend organizing some provisions. You will need food and water, unless you plan to fast. If you fast you may feel weakened after. It may not be a good idea if you have to be working hard the following days.

Think of simple meals that are easy to manage. You can make many foods using just hot water from a kettle. Don't eat too much so you fall asleep. Drinking green tea with honey keeps the mind aware and prevents drowsiness. Sometimes people avoid foods which arouse the senses (such as using spices, onion, garlic etc). Ideas: - fresh fruit and vegetables- oatmeal- muesli with milk/yogurt- hot soup- bread and cheese

Other useful things:- a blanket or sweater to stay warm.- meditation cushions to sit for long periods.- sutras / books of teachings. - earplugs to reduce distractions.- A "Do not disturb" sign on the door. - prayer beads / mala beads- a meditation table: